Funding of Applied Energy Research within the Framework of the 8th Energy Research Program

The funding program for applied energy research within the framework of the 8th Energy Research Program of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) supports project-related research, development, and demonstration of non-nuclear energy technologies nationwide. The focus is on innovations in the five mission fields energy system, heat transition, power transition, hydrogen, and transfer to accelerate the energy transition. Projects that contribute to higher energy efficiency, link renewable energies and climate protection, or develop digital system solutions for sector coupling and grid stability are funded. A special emphasis is placed on interdisciplinary projects that integrate technical innovations and societal aspects of the energy transition. Selection is based on the degree of innovation, relevance to the 8th Energy Research Program, qualifications of the consortium, and usability of the results.

As a grant, the program covers up to 50%–100% of eligible expenses (personnel, equipment and materials, travel costs, external services); the project duration is a maximum of 36 months. Eligible applicants include companies (especially SMEs and start-ups), universities, non-university research institutions, municipalities, as well as public administrations with a place of business or branch in Germany. A contribution to the objectives of the 8th Energy Research Program, professional qualification, and exploitation in Germany are prerequisites. Project proposals can be submitted at any time via the easy-Online web portal; submission of a project outline, project description, and questionnaires is required for the outline submission. The project management agency Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH – Project Management Jülich (PtJ) provides advice on content-related and administrative questions. Interested stakeholders benefit from targeted funding to implement effective energy transition solutions.